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The Very Thought Of You

Fresh interpretations of timeless Big Band classics, delivered in a voice that is both knowing and passionate, with a romantic flair that melts hearts. Critics worldwide agree, The Very Thought Of You is a must-have.

ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

His premier album, The Very Thought Of You, unleashes the talented young singer Rory Partin on the wider world. But don’t be fooled into thinking this debut artist is some new kid on the block. Partin has been leading the Rory Partin Big Band since 2000, and their highly entertaining live show, professional approach and superb repertoire have made them a popular choice for society parties, governors’ balls, corporate events and sell out concerts.

Partin has been performing from San Francisco to New York and Toronto to Baton Rouge – always leaving audiences wanting more. Partin’s debut album only shows off one small part of his vast talents. Hailing from Louisiana, and drawing on musical influences as varied as Ray Charles, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and The Doobie Brothers, his blue-eyed soul voice is convincing whether he is pulling every ounce of emotion from a classic soul set or swinging with his big band on The Very Thought Of You.

From the album’s opening cut, “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home,” this emotion is immediately evident. Critics have already been wowed by the way in which Partin tackles the material. “The extraordinary thing is the way in which Partin is simultaneously soulful and yet unashamedly swings. His phrasing is superb,” writes British music critic Mike Rimmer.

The Very Thought Of You is destined to introduce Partin to a wider audience than just those who have seen his excellent big band’s live performance. Bringing his own unique personality to these familiar songs, a new generation is discovering these fresh interpretations of timeless classics. Partin delivers them in a voice that is both knowing and passionate, and with a romantic flair that melts hearts.

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU
The album features classics that were often on the family stereo when Rory was growing up in southern Louisiana. From the opening cut, "Walkin' My Baby Back Home," his musical roots are immediately evident. From his jazzy stylings on "Route 66," to his velvety delivery of "The Way You Look Tonight," Rory breathes new life into classic standards.

On the title track, "The Very Thought Of You," Rory evokes a tender, romantic mood. When you hear the seductive power of the song, you're hearing it exactly as he intended. At the other extreme is the swinging show stopper, "Luck Be A Lady," where Rory comes through in full Vegas style. With the driving band behind him, great horns and a climactic finish, he's never sounded better. Rarely does an album capture the excitement and romance of live performance, but Partin's debut, The Very Thought Of You, is on the money.

TRACK LISTING
1. Walkin' My Baby Back Home 2:43
2. Mack The Knife 3:15
3. Route 66 3:13
4. It Had To Be You 3:32
5. Nice Work (If You Can Get It) 2:06
6. The Very Thought Of You 4:34
7. The Way You Look Tonight 3:21
8. Let's Fall In Love 2:06
9. On The Street Where You Live 4:44
10. Luck Be A Lady 4:44

“As a kid, I remember listening to Satchmo, Ray Charles, André Crouch, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole...There was something magical about the way they sang a song that grabbed me - I had to stop and listen. They inspired me to sing songs that capture my emotions. When people listen to The Very Thought Of You, they’re hearing some of those songs, and it’s my hope they’ll experience that same magic and inspiration. "
Rory Partin

This crooner has everything...Partin’s vocals, the band’s instrumentals... make

The 2006 release of The Very Thought Of You provides sensitive readings of Ray Noble’s “The Very Thought of You” and “Let’s Fall in Love” (Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler). There is a solid swinging rendition of “Mack The Knife” that is a little smoother than Bobby Darin’s performance. Oh how I wished for a dance partner while this tune resonated off the walls in my home. The musicians are absolutely stunning. The band’s thirteen piece horn section will soon have you swaying to the music.

Terry Waddell’s arrangements for Route 66! appear well suited for Partin’s vocals and the trio of Cole Burgess (sax), trumpeter Jamie Simmons and Al Javorcky (trombone) really show what they are made of blowing some great notes.

“It Had To Be You” casts Partin in a light closer to Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett than Harry Connick Jr. This crooner has everything including being incredibly handsome.

The Very Thought of You as interpreted by the Rory Partin Big Band is the entrée that makes you want to sail around the ballroom floor. Partin’s vocals are the desert that melts in your mouth and prompts you to whisper ‘I love you’ in your partner’s ear. By the time the crooner gets to “The Way You Look Tonight” you are sighing and dreaming of a life together.

Pianist Jeff Lisenby lays down great chops. The rhythm section of Paul Abrams (guitar), bassist Chris Kent and drummer Scott Weckerly are spectacular. There isn’t a weak note on this album.

Yes the album is comprised of standards and classic swinging jazz tunes but Partin’s vocals, the band’s magical instrumentals and Waddell’s arrangements make this a breath taking journey.

All your old favourites from a singer who has his own unique style,while doing justice to these great songs. You will want to sing along and relive the time you first heard them. This is a great addition to any collection, but for a community radio presenter such as myself, a chance to entertain a wide audience with bright and breezy arrangements. It is great hear \"Luck be a Lady\" from that great show \"Guys and Dolls\' and of course one never gets tired of Route 66 and \"It Had to be You\". Good value as always from CD Baby1111

We have really enjoyed this CD. The talent is incredible. If you love Big Band/Swing/Jazz-this is a must have! If you are not familiar with this type of music, buy this CD and you will instantly fall in love with it.